The newest lookout on the ldyllwild Ranger District of the San Bernardino National Forest in southern California was built on Black Mountain in 1962. It is 14’x 14’ CL-100 steel cab with flat corrugated metal roof and metal mesh catwalk, located on top of a solid rock outcrop. In active use through the 1980s, it was restored by the Forest Service and volunteers in the Lookout Host Program, and is now staffed by Lookout Hosts seven days a week.

The San Jacinto Ranger District was a part of the Cleveland National Forest until 1926. The original structure at Black Mountain was a California Region 5 Plan 4AR cabin on a 10 foot open timber tower built in the late 19-teens or early 1920's. The structure was moved to Barton Peak in 1934. This location was discontinued when the new lookout was completed at Black Mountain in 1962.